Sgt Dean Maddocks said: “Metal theft causes untold misery to local residents, commuters and in some incidents, a danger to the public. In many cases the cost of damage and repairs far out weighs the scrap value of the metal.

“Despite the poor weather conditions we were able get out there and offer advice to businesses, reassurance to the public and gather intelligence by stop checking vehicles carrying scrap metal.

“We urge the public to contact us if they see any suspicious activity with these vehicles in our local communities.”